Greece's government of cuts rounds up 8,000 migrants

The Greek government is cracking down on migrants as the economy tanks. Greece’s economy shrank by 6.2 percent in the last quarter, it was announced—even more than expected by the European Commission.

Plans were based on a better forecast. Finance minister Yiannis Stournaras, admitted the “numbers don’t add up”. And the government is now attempting to force through more austerity—a further £9 million of cuts. But it seems they have plenty of money for some things.

Police have almost emptied some migrant areas, rounding up an estimated 8,000 people. The authorities are now discussing plans to build eight detention centres across Athens.

This scapegoating has fuelled the Nazi party Golden Dawn’s attempts to whip up racist violence. On Sunday a 19 year old Iraqi was murdered in Athens in what is believed to be a racist attack.

Workers are continuing to strike back and resist austerity. Workers at the Agricultural Bank are continuing an indefinite strike since 30 July.

Teachers are set to strike on the second day of the new school year next month. And there are plans for mass demonstrations in the autumn.

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